Curated OER
Citizenship Programme of Study for KS2
Students discover ways to be active citizens. For this civics lesson, students prepare for student body elections by creating election materials an writing manifestos. Students also consider offering their services to local organizations...
Curated OER
We Are the Government
Students read primary documents to find the motivations of the founding fathers of the United States. In this primary documents lesson, students discuss the meaning of the Preamble to the Constitution, read parts of the Constitution...
Orange County Department of Education
Nights of the Pufflings
Third graders read the story to identify the problem and solution that occurs in Night of the Pufflings. They identify problems within the story that are solved through the characters' responsible actions. Students describe in their...
Curated OER
Our National Documents
Students consider the significance of selected American documents. In this civics activity, students analyze excerpts of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
Curated OER
Poll-icy Perceptions
Young scholars create their own opinion polls about local policy issues. They evaluate how anonymity may affect responses. In groups, students experience the process of developing polls, focusing on student-related topics. Young scholars...
Curated OER
The Pledge of Allegiance
Students explore the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance. In this civics lesson, students examine the document, define related vocabulary words, and rewrite it in their words.
Curated OER
Willing to Participate: Political Engagement of Young Adults
Students consider what it means to be politically involved. In this civics lesson, students discuss voting as a privilege or right. Students also discuss how they may be able to effect social change through political involvement.
Curated OER
Service Learning
Students view video clips to define service learning. For this civics lesson, students read quotes, take a survey, and define altruism. Students view video clips and evaluate the motivation and impact of those who perform community...
Curated OER
What Does It Mean To Be a Good Citizen?
Students study citizenship and what it means to be a good sitizen. They create their own country and determine its citizenship rules. They work together to create a visual representation of what makes a good citizen.
Curated OER
The Taxpayer's Responsibilities
Students explore system of voluntary compliance, and describe taxpayers' responsibilities related to filing a tax return.
Kids Voting USA
Kids Voting USA: K-2 Classroom Activities
Address both social studies and critical reading skills with a resource dedicated to the voting process, the American democracy, and the ability to evaluate information in order to develop a stance on an issue. Each themed activity...
Curated OER
The Called Themselves the K.K.K.; The Birth of an American Terrorist Group
How did Ku Klux Klan develop and flourish in the US? How did the government respond to acts of terrorism conducted by the KKK following the Civil War? How does the government respond to acts of terrorism today? This resource...
State Bar of Texas
Baker v. Carr
Can the federal government override the state government to protect the citizens of the United States? The 1962 Supreme Court case Baker v. Carr outlines the issue of equal protection under the law. Scholars investigate with a short...
State Bar of Texas
Gibbons v. Ogden
Have you ever played the game Monopoly? Do you know what it takes to win the game correctly? Scholars research the nature of outlawing monopolies in the United States while controlling trade. They investigate the court case Gibbons v....
Curated OER
The League
Students explore the concept of civic virtue in a democratic state. In this democracy instructional activity, students listen to John F. Kennedy's inaugural speech, read selections on democracy, and discuss the importance of civic...
Curated OER
What Would Moses, Jesus, Krishna Say?
Ninth graders explore different faith traditions. In this US History lesson, 9th graders compare and contrast different religions. Students evaluate the relevancy of the civic behavior as described by religious leaders.
Curated OER
Mapping Our Home
Students explore how communities participate in census counting. In this census lesson, students recognize the absolute and relative location of a state and understand ideas about civic life and government.
Curated OER
The 7 "Hats" of the President
Students explore the responsibilities of the President. In this U.S. government lesson, students examine the provided sources related to the President' s roles as Chief of State, Chief Executive, Chief Jurist, Chief Diplomat, Chief...
Curated OER
Measuring Civic Engagement
Students begin the lesson plan by defining what a citizen is in today's society. In groups, they brainstorm a list of qualities and responsibilites a good citizen should have. They also develop and give a survey that measures the amount...
Odell Education
Building Evidence-Based Arguments: "Cuplae poena par esto: Let the punishment fit the crime."
Should a criminal's punishment match the crime? An argumentative writing plan explores this question as class members investigate a variety of mixed-medium sources by experts in the field, form evidence-based claims, and support them...
Curated OER
Interconnections Between Private and Civic Life -- Focus on the County
Learners discuss the connections between their lives and the government. In groups, they examine the roles that governments have in different societies throughout the world. They role-play the roles of County members in providing...
Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights
Van Jones: Police Brutality
Develop an understanding of how the media and society are connected and responsible for the defense of universal human rights. Learners investigate and examine the conflicts of police brutality as it is portrayed in the media and through...
Curated OER
Service Learning
Students explore the value in helping others. In this ethics lesson, students use videos, worksheets, Internet articles and group discussion to develop a personal perspective on what it means to help others.
Curated OER
Martin Luther King Jr.: From Civil Rights to Human Rights
Students read essays and participate in a discussion that examines Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s stance on both civil rights and the broader issue of human rights. They conduct research about King's life and work, analyze quotes from his...